SIR in Uttar Pradesh Explained: All you need to know about state-wide voter list overhaul in 403 assembly seats

Lucknow: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has officially begun in Uttar Pradesh, with Booth Level Officers moving door‑to‑door to distribute and collect enumeration forms statewide. Spanning all 403 assembly seats and 1,62,486 polling stations, this massive exercise aims to clean up duplicates, include new voters and ensure the list is accurate ahead of upcoming elections. What Is the SIR and Why Is It Happening? The SIR is an intensive and comprehensive review of the voter lists in Uttar Pradesh, the first such major revision in over 20 years. Its objectives include: Ensuring every eligible citizen is on the list Removing entries for deceased persons, duplicates, out‑migrants and non‑citizens Incorporating citizens turning 18 or recently moved into an area who may not yet be registered Because the accuracy of electoral rolls directly impacts electoral fairness, this exercise is positioned as a crucial building block for the state’s forthcoming elections. How the Process Works? Distribution and Collection: From November 4 to December 4, BLOs will visit every household, distribute enumeration forms, and collect them once filled out. Each house will be visited multiple times if residents are absent. How will ‘politics’ of SIR prove to be beneficial for BJP and the opposition? Draft Publication & Objections: A draft version of the rolls will be published on December 9, 2025. Citizens can submit claims or objections until January 8, 2026; hearings and verifications will wrap up by January 31. The final list will then be released on February 7, 2026. Eligibility Verification: Officials will match data with the 2003 electoral roll and flag irregularities such as duplicate names and entries of deceased or migrated persons. What Voters Need to Do? Watch out for BLOs visiting your home and check their identity card with QR code verification. Keep essential documents ready such as your Voter ID (EPIC), Aadhaar card, recent passport‑size photo, and proof if you are newly eligible or moving in. Fill the enumeration form accurately, without changing spelling or details drastically compared to previous records to avoid mismatches. If someone from your household is temporarily away (for work or studies), another adult can fill on their behalf—and should note their accountability. Once the draft list is out, check whether your name is included; if not, submit a claim or objection within the scheduled window. UP SIR: How to add your name via mobile; Guidelines issued for electoral forms Why This Matters? An accurate and complete electoral roll is the backbone of democratic legitimacy. With millions of voters in Uttar Pradesh, even small errors can lead to unfair representation, disenfranchisement, or inflated lists. The SIR seeks to strengthen trust and transparency in the electoral process. Moreover, for voters it means ensuring that when they go to vote, their name appears and their vote truly counts.